Page 38 of No More Jocks

“There is someone, but I need to call him and settle a few things before we meet each other’s parents.”

“Well, take your time, and just know I’m here when you’re ready. Now make your plate. Your food is going to get cold.” I looked at my watch. I would be late for my exam, and Mrs. Johnson was serious about punctuality.

“Mom, I love your cooking, but I must get to school. I have a test today and I can’t be late.”

“Well, grab my keys; I’ll take you and make you a sandwich from these pancakes, eggs, and sausage.”

“Bet.”

24

MARCUS

The day of the championship game finally arrived. This was it—the moment that would determine everything. I patiently waited while Mrs. Johnson posted the English grades. If I hadn’t passed the final and gotten a C or better out of the class this quarter, I would not be playing in tonight’s game.

Mrs. Johnson stood up from the desk and posted the grades in front of the class and the entire class rushed to the front to view their grades. I followed the last four digits of my social security number toward my grade and couldn’t believe my eyes. I got an A in English for the quarter which balanced out my F to a C for the semester! I jumped up in excitement.

“It looks like Caleb did a good job tutoring you and it also looks like you will be playing in tonight’s game. Congratulations Marcus. Now go out there and kick some butt!” I smiled and picked her up off the ground and spun her around and gave her a tight hug. Then headed to the locker room to tell Coach the news. I thought about telling Caleb, but I had another surprise for him.

As I stepped onto the field, I took a deep breath, letting the energy of the crowd wash over me. The weight of their expectations pressed down on me, but I channeled that pressure into determination. I had to succeed—not just for myself, but for my future and for Caleb.

The game started with a fierce intensity. The opposing team was strong, but we matched them blow for blow. Every play, every pass, every tackle was a battle. I pushed myself harder than ever, drawing on every ounce of strength and skill I had. Time seemed to blur as we fought for every yard.

In the final moments of the game, we were tied. The crowd was on the edge of their seats, the tension palpable. We had one last chance to win, and the ball was in my hands. I looked at my teammates, their faces reflecting my own determination. This was it.

I took a deep breath and ran the play. Everything moved in slow motion as I dodged defenders, my eyes locked on the end zone. My heart pounded in my chest as I crossed the goal line, scoring the winning touchdown. The stadium erupted in cheers, the sound deafening.

We had done it. We had won.

My teammates surrounded me, their cheers and pats on the back a blur of joy and relief. But amidst the celebration, there was only one person I wanted to see. I scanned the crowd, my eyes searching for Caleb.

And then I saw him, standing near the edge of the field. Our eyes met, and in that moment, everything else faded away. I knew what I had to do.

I walked over to the edge of the field, my heart pounding for an entirely different reason now. The crowd was still cheering, but as I reached Caleb, a hush fell over them, curious eyes watching us.

“Caleb,” I said, my voice steady despite the adrenaline still coursing through me. “There’s something I need to say.”

He looked at me, a mix of hope and uncertainty in his eyes. “Marcus, what are you doing?”

I took a deep breath, glancing around at the crowd before returning my gaze to Caleb. “I love you, Caleb. And I’m done hiding who I am. I’m bisexual, and that doesn’t change the fact that I belong on this team. I’ve proven my worth today, and my sexuality shouldn’t matter.”

The crowd was silent for a moment, and then a ripple of whispers spread through the stands. I felt the weight of their eyes on me, but I stood tall, my hand reaching out to Caleb.

“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I don’t want to lose you because of fear. I’m ready to be who I am, openly, and I want you by my side. If it wasn’t for you, I would have failed English, and this team would not have won this championship. Because of you

I’m smarter, stronger and I’m ready to accept who I truly am.”

Caleb’s eyes filled with tears, and he took my hand, stepping closer. “I love you too, Marcus,” he said, his voice choked with emotion. “I’ve always loved you.”

Without another word, I pulled him into my arms and kissed him, right there in the middle of the stadium. The crowd erupted in cheers and applause, a wave of acceptance and support washing over us.

As we broke the kiss, I looked around at my teammates, the students, and the fans. They were smiling, clapping, and shouting words of encouragement. My coach gave me a thumbs-up, and I felt a surge of gratitude and relief.

We stood there, hand in hand, in the middle of the stadium, our love no longer a secret. In that moment, I knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, we would face them together.

And that was all that mattered. My mother and Caleb’s parents were sitting together in the stands clapping along with everyone in the stands. This felt surreal. My dreams were coming true and I didn’t have to hide who I was to do it.

25

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